DASD Cultural Equity Task Force

The purpose of the DASD Cultural Equity Taskforce (CETF) is to create a school community where all students, staff, and families feel valued, supported, and respected. By fostering understanding, kindness, and belonging, the task force aims to promote positive relationships and develop policies, procedures, and practices that nurture a welcoming and positive school environment where all students feel they belong.

In This Section

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

There are four formal groups of individuals promoting positive school climate work within the district:

Director of Student Relations and School Climate
Cultural Equity Taskforce Leadership Team
Cultural Equity Taskforce Team
Building Equity Teams

Questions?
jbrown@dasd.org

Tweet: @DASDSRSC

IG: dasd studentrelations

The CETF adheres to the following responsibilities:

Identify areas where the district can enhance kindness, belonging, and respect, and propose plans to address these needs.
Actively work to foster understanding and eliminate any barriers that may prevent students or staff from feeling valued and included.
Develop policies, procedures, and practices that ensure every student receives the support they need—academically, socially, and emotionally—and that every individual feels heard, respected, and integral to the school community.
Assist with district-wide surveys to understand the school climate and gather feedback from staff.
Review data for patterns and use insights to guide improvements that enhance the well-being of the school community.
Respond thoughtfully to incidents that impact the positive climate and culture within the district.
Provide recommendations to guide decisions that support a compassionate and respectful environment in all district activities and policies.
Propose events and programs that strengthen community bonds and promote a positive school culture.
Establish clear timelines for implementing initiatives that support kindness and respect.
Participate in community and district meetings to share updates and gather input.
Regularly meet to review progress and collaborate on ways to address school climate concerns.
Actively contribute to at least one subcommittee focused on fostering understanding, kindness, and a welcoming environment in the district.

***CETF members must attend at least one session every six months to maintain membership.***

Subcommittee Information

How do I sign up?

Member Info

We are happy that you are choosing to return back to the group. We have “re-imagined” what the taskforce looks like, but are happy to be rolling out some new tasks, assignments and initiatives. Thank you for the hard work you have already put it, without it, we could not have gotten this far. You do not need to fill out another sign-up form for the new school year.

Meeting Dates

Subcommittees Mission

Our mission is to identify and share resources and programs across DASD schools that promote kindness, understanding, and respect.

These efforts will celebrate individuality, encourage students and staff to be their authentic selves, and ensure every voice is valued and heard.

Book Literary Series

Mission

We are committed to fostering meaningful growth by hosting open and respectful conversations inspired by a series of book studies focused on kindness, empathy, and understanding. We will provide resources for educators, students, and our community that support these values and promote a sense of belonging.

Purpose (why do we exist)

Building a positive school culture is a journey. The Literary Series aims to support and nurture kindness, understanding, and respect within DASD. We strive to reach a broader audience, deepen awareness, and foster a shared sense of belonging that inspires meaningful growth and positive change.

Community Partnerships

Mission

To better support our students and community, the DASD Community Partnership will create meaningful and impactful events and activities that foster kindness, belonging, and understanding. These efforts will provide opportunities for growth, connection, and joy, enriching the lives of our children and the entire community.

Purpose

To bridge resources for DASD families and community. This group aims to educate through active engagements, partnerships and resources. This group is open to creating partnerships and making connections with individuals in the community.

Become a DASD School climate Partner!

Your corporate and community partnership will help celebrate individuality and foster understanding by bringing together students, families, community members, and businesses within the Downingtown Area School District.

Make a Donation Here!

Student Relations Calendar

Mission Statement

The purpose of this calendar is to highlight all traditions, celebrations and holidays that are observed by our students, staff, and within the DASD community.

Vision Statement

This annual calendar aims to foster awareness and understanding by highlighting the many traditions and celebrations that make our DASD community unique.

Traditions are an important part of life in the Downingtown Area School District, just as they are in families. Seasonal holidays, in particular, have a special way of bringing people together. DASD is dedicated to creating a school environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected.

View Diversity Calendar Resources

Ultimately, it is up to each of us within DASD to create a welcoming and celebratory environment. Be a friend and supporter to those from different backgrounds. Take time to listen to their stories, join in events, and bring your authentic self—beliefs included—to school and work.

If you notice an important holiday missing from the calendar, please reach out to our Director of Student Relations and School Climate at jbrown@dasd.org. We will respond promptly and ensure the calendar is updated.

Observable Messaging

Policies and Procedures

Mission

Lead with fairness, kindness, and respect in all policies, programs, operations, and practices.

Here is our latest work below:

Educational Equity Policy (DASD #832)

On November 10, 2021, the Downingtown Area School District Board of School Directors approved the new Educational Equity Policy - #832. This is a brand new policy and the purpose of this email is to provide you with a brief summary.

Policy Purpose:

The purpose of the policy is to prioritize the principle of educational equity through the fair and just allocation of resources, opportunities and treatment of students and staff based upon each individual student’s or staff’s needs.

Commitments:

We will promptly identify and address barriers that cultivate achievement gaps and/or opportunity gaps for students or staff.
We will ensure that each student’s educational achievement is neither predicted nor predetermined by explicit or implicit biases, and that staff are not denied professional opportunities due to explicit or implicit biases.

Major Points:

We are committed to fairness and justice for all students and staff regardless of background.
We will conduct periodic educational equity audits to benchmark educational equity in the district and address inequities.
We will display conduct and will foster school climates that are equity focused and culturally responsive and supported through relevant training.
Our Educational Equity Audits will include enrollment and attendance data, achievement indicators, and behavior indicators broken out by student background.

Items to be Emphasized:

We will maintain high expectations for all students while providing multiple pathways to success and participation in challenging programs, school activities, and co-curricular activities.
Holding ourselves to being responsive to and seeking out diverse cultural perspectives, identities, linguistic diversity, and other needs of students and their families by providing equitable instructional materials, resources, and access to services daily.

As this relates to:

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

Fostering Partnerships and Inclusion

Being Data Focused

Maintaining an Equity Lens

Developing Cultural Competency

Expanding Workforce Diversity

Offering Professional Development

Student Success

Mission

The mission of the Student Success Subcommittee is to create opportunities that celebrate student individuality, foster understanding, and promote kindness and belonging. By supporting a school environment where all students feel valued, the subcommittee aims to help eliminate barriers, inspire personal growth, encourage social responsibility, and prepare students for success in life beyond school.

Purpose

Our goal is to ensure every student has opportunities to thrive in an environment that fosters fairness, respect, and support, helping them build the skills they need for academic, emotional, and future success.

We will create “Brave Spaces” where all students feel heard, valued, and empowered.
We will design educational opportunities that celebrate differences and ensure every student feels they belong.
We will encourage personal growth and accountability through practices that promote kindness and mutual respect.
We will provide resources to help faculty and staff build welcoming, inclusive environments that nurture every student's potential.